I spent two months shadowing and doing research at a major hospital in Jerusalem (I am not Israeli) and it was one of the most fulfilling, eye-opening, educational experiences I've ever had, and it made an incredible impact on my focus toward medical school.
I would like to begin my personal statement with an anecdote from my experience there, highlighting the dedication and compassion the (multi-national) docs had within one of the most conflicted, contentious areas of the world; however, within the walls of the hospital, none of that mattered.
Not only that, but I did a lot of important research and terrific shadowing while I was there.
Should I downplay or hesitate to mention this contentious topic/country as the opening of my personal statement? I am NOT giving any opinion, showing any bias or bringing up any super sticky topics, except possibly for the observations of arabs and jews sitting side by side in an ER like they would no where else..
What are your thoughts? Should I veer away in case I have a touchy adcomm or does it highlight me as a diverse applicant?
I would like to begin my personal statement with an anecdote from my experience there, highlighting the dedication and compassion the (multi-national) docs had within one of the most conflicted, contentious areas of the world; however, within the walls of the hospital, none of that mattered.
Not only that, but I did a lot of important research and terrific shadowing while I was there.
Should I downplay or hesitate to mention this contentious topic/country as the opening of my personal statement? I am NOT giving any opinion, showing any bias or bringing up any super sticky topics, except possibly for the observations of arabs and jews sitting side by side in an ER like they would no where else..
What are your thoughts? Should I veer away in case I have a touchy adcomm or does it highlight me as a diverse applicant?
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